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Coach reveals Liverpool defender looks close to full fitness
LIVERPOOL Under-23 boss Michael Beale has revealed Mamadou Sakho looks close to full fitness as he eyes a return to the first-team.
Mamadou Sakho in action for Liverpool Under-23s
Sakho is yet to feature for Liverpool this season after being sent home by Jurgen Klopp from the club's pre-season tour of America in July for disciplinary reasons.
The France international then ignored Klopp’s request to go out on loan to aid his recovery from an Achilles injury.
He has been training with the Under-23s ever since and his future at Anfield looks bleak.
But Beale insists he has been pleased with the defender’s contribution after he featured in Liverpool Under-23s draw with Manchester United last night.
“I thought Mama looked strong,” Beale told the Liverpool Echo. “United were always looking for their No 9 [Scott McTominay] and his aerial threat but Mama showed his experience.
“He was a good guide for young Tiago Ilori alongside him who seems to be in fine form too at the moment.
“I am pleased to have them both as part of our team. They give us a platform to play.
“Mama is training with us and he’s working hard every day.
“That’s the closest he’s looked to full fitness. I couple more games like that and we’ll see what happens from there.”